New lessor SMFL Helicopters launched to ‘transform’ global leasing
John Petkovic, previously CEO of Macquarie Rotorcraft, has been named as CEO designate of the new business.
A new rotorcraft leasing business – SMFL Helicopters – has been launched by Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company Limited after its acquisition, through the new business, of LCI and Macquarie Rotorcraft Limited. The new global helicopter lessor aims to “transform rotorcraft leasing through innovation and scale”.
Shinichiro Watanabe, senior managing executive officer at Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company Limited (SMFL) said: “SMFL Helicopters consolidates the deep sector knowledge and operational excellence of two respected lessors within our aviation eco-system to create a single, powerful platform.” SMFL is proud
to now be present at scale in the dynamic helicopter leasing sector and is aiming to become market leader, added Watanabe.
SMFLH combines technical knowledge, financial rigour, and operational depth across six continents, according to the new lessor. Backed by a growing fleet of about 290 aircraft on order and in service and working with 52 operators, SMFLH is positioned to deliver efficient and flexible financing and leasing solutions for mission-critical and sustainable aviation operations, it said.
John Petkovic, previously CEO of Macquarie Rotorcraft, has been named as CEO designate of the new business. (He is expected to assume the position of CEO later this year in 2026 pending completion of protocols between SMFLH and SMFL, and requirements related to his re-location to Dublin).
“With the launch of SMFL Helicopters, we have an exciting opportunity to create a lessor that combines the skills and experience of our talented team of people with the financial strength of SMFL to deliver innovative leasing solutions to our customers across the globe,” said Petkovic. In his new role, Petkovic will focus on developing the company’s commercial strategy, strengthening its international footprint and drive operational excellence. He is tasked with building a high-performing, inclusive culture across its teams worldwide.
Chairman of SMFLH will be industry veteran Crispin Maunder and Jaspal Jandu, formerly CEO, LCI has been appointed a senior advisor to SMFLH.
Terri Foley, formerly chief operating officer (COO), LCI takes on an expanded role as position at SMFLH as deputy CEO and COO. The new lessor describes her role as “a key immediate role of providing senior management continuity and leadership during the CEO appointment period”.
Con Barber, previously chief investment officer at Macquarie Rotorcraft has been appointed chief commercial officer. Padraig Conneely has been appointed chief technical officer, Ken Dowling will be chief financial officer and Eric Kataoka has been appointed chief investment officer.
Alan O’Rourke will be SMFLH’s new head of Capital Markets and Trey Wade has been appointed head of Trading and Portfolio Strategy.
The launch of SMFLH follows regulatory approval from the UK Competition and Markets Authority in November 2025 for the acquisition of Macquarie Rotorcraft by SMFL LCI Helicopters Limited. The integration of LCI and Macquarie Rotorcraft has already begun, according to the lessor.
Meanwhile, read our interview with Jandu at Verticon 2025 in Dallas here.
Who’s who at SMFLH
- John Petkovic: CEO designate
- Crispin Maunder: Chairman
- Jaspal Jandu: Senior adviser
- Terri Foley: Deputy CEO and chief operating officer
- Con Barber: Chief commercial officer
- Padraig Conneely: Chief technical officer
- Ken Dowling: Chief financial officer
- Eric Kataoka: Chief investment officer
- Alan O’Rourke: Head of Capital Markets
- Trey Wade: Head of Trading and Portfolio Strategy.
